The former Nouvelle Republique journalist was arrested in the French city of Blois by officers who knew the journalist from his days working on the crime desk – the paper reports.

French police said the suspect had worn a wig and fake moustache while robbing shops shortly before they closed with the aid of a black, wooden-handled revolver.

He made an estimated €9,000 from his crime spree. However, police were easily able to identify the suspect after he was recognised. Worse still, he made large cash deposits into the bank following each successful raid.